Pacific Goosefish

Head and anterior part of the body depressed; posterior part of body gradually narrowing; back and sides of head with numerous spines; first dorsal fin formed by 3 isolated cephalic spines, the first of which resembles a fishing rod (bearing a scale that looks like "bait" and two prominent, dark "eyes") and three more short, thin, post-cephalic spines connected by a low membrane. Back brown or dark brown; belly lighter; fins darker distally but may have light edges; caudal fin with a vertical row of 6 pale spots (Ref. 55763). Head is flattened and mouth is large. The first two dorsal fin spines are displaced far forward (onto the snout), and the first is modified into a lure to attract prey. Branchiostegal rays: 6 (Ref. 36490).

Oviparous (Ref. 36490). Eggs are contained in floating gelatinous rafts (Ref. 36490).

Dorsal spines (total): 3 - 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 6 - 7; Vertebrae: 19

Juveniles and adults are benthic on the continental shelf and the upper regions of the continental slope (Ref. 9538). Oviparous, with planktonic larvae (Ref. 36490).

Juveniles and adults are benthic on the continental shelf and the upper regions of the continental slope (Ref. 9538). Oviparous, with planktonic larvae (Ref. 36490). Eggs are contained in floating gelatinous rafts (Ref. 36490). Probably caught as a by-catch of trawl fishing (Ref. 9538).